After losing his seat in the 2004 Local Elections, some might have assumed that they had seen the last of Michael Burke in local politics - until the Ballinrobe based business man put himself forward once again last year and the people of the newly formed Claremorris electoral area put their faith in him. This week Cllr Burke completed the full circle on his famous political comeback after becoming first citizen of the county following his election as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.
The Fine Gael councillor was proposed for the position by councillor Joe Mellett and seconded by councillor Patsy O’Brien. Both praised Cllr Burke as a self-made business man who always did his best to represent the people of his area.
Cllr Burke took over the role of cathaoirleach from Ballyhaunis councillor John Cribben who reported that over the past year he had served under three county managers and attended more than 350 functions. He paid tribute to leas cathaoirleach for the year, Cllr Michelle Mulherin for capably filling in for him when called upon.
Cllr Burke stated that the creation and retention of jobs in the county is to be his number one priority in the upcoming year. “I am asking the county manager to arrange a meeting with the major employers in Mayo to discuss their requirements and the support they need going forward”, he said.
Noting that the major multinational employers in the county contribute in the region of €4 billion a year to the export market, he stated that infrastructure improvements were essential to keep such industries in Mayo.
“It is the job of this council to ensure we have an adequate road network to support these major employers, and also for our people. A proper road network is vital for the whole county.”
The new Cathaoirleach added he hoped to launch a new business mentoring programme in the next few weeks with a view to cultivating an enterprise culture. He added that it was vital the county promote itself as much as possible as a tourist attraction, and that the strong links that have been built up over time with the Mayo Diaspora around the world be maintained. He also said he would be calling on the county manager to reinstate the economic and social fund for community development projects as part of the council budget.
Westport councillor Peter Flynn was elected to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach for the year after being nominated by Cllr Joe Mellett and seconded by Cllr Johnny O’Malley.
